I Remember a Rooftop Lyrics

Lyric discussion by random-user01 

Cover art for I Remember a Rooftop lyrics by Alkaline Trio

What a great song. I'm glad I get to be the first to comment and would like to mention these lyrics:

"I took my lousy shot at public recognition Could never pull the trigger if I wasn't shaking"

It brings up an interesting point about musicians who suffer(ed) from drug or alcohol abuse. I'm not saying it's right, but I think many would agree that some of a musicians best writing comes out when that person has drug/alcohol issues.

These lyrics make the case that he might never have taken a shot if he wasn't on something at the time. He's saying he may never have "pulled the trigger" at his "shot at public recognition" if he "wasn't shaking" - on drugs/alcohol.

It's just interesting because while many Alkaline Trio songs have a hint of bitterness towards a past of drug abuse, they are acknowledging here that it is a part of how they got started in the first place.

Could be waaaay off, but that's how I look at it.

Song Meaning